Cricket

India's 3-0 ODI series sweep against South Africa has provided a timely boost to the team's preparations for the T20 World Cup later this year. The series not only erased the bitter memories of the 0-3 loss to Australia earlier this year but also allowed the team to assess players' form, fitness, and overall fielding standards.Smriti Mandhana emerged as the star of the series, scoring a remarkable 117, 136, and 90 in her three outings. Her exceptional strokeplay and remarkable endurance, having spent 122.3 overs at the crease out of India's total of 140.4, were highly impressive.Captain Harmanpreet Kaur also returned to form, scoring a brilliant century in the second match, her first since September 2022. However, the form of Shafali Verma, who managed only 52 runs in three innings, raised concerns.India experimented with D. Hemalatha and Priya Punia at No. 3, a move that is likely to continue in the upcoming T20Is against South Africa. The series also witnessed promising ODI debuts for leg-spinner Asha Sobhana and pacer Arundhati Reddy.Asha, 33, made an immediate impact, taking a four-wicket haul in her first outing. Arundhati, 27, who has played 26 T20Is since her debut in 2018, also impressed with her bowling, particularly in the second ODI, where she bowled the penultimate over and helped India secure a narrow four-run victory.One of the most heartening aspects of the series was India's improved ground fielding. Jemimah Rodrigues was particularly impressive, saving more runs than the margin of victory in the second game. Coach Amol Muzumdar expressed his satisfaction with the team's fielding efforts, emphasizing the importance of saving runs.The 3-0 sweep has provided India with a solid foundation as they prepare for the T20 World Cup. The team will now play three T20Is against South Africa in Chennai before participating in the inter-zonal multi-day tournament. These matches will offer further opportunities to evaluate players and fine-tune their preparations for the global event.

India's women's cricket team stands on the cusp of a historic 3-0 series sweep against South Africa in the third and final ODI on Sunday. Despite facing challenges in the first two matches, India has emerged victorious, showcasing resilience and exceptional batting performances.In the opening match, India's batters overcame a precarious 99 for five to post a formidable 260-plus total. The bowlers then defended the target with determination. However, in the second game, the Indian bowlers faced a stern test against centurions Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp. Despite conceding a heavy total, they held their nerve until the final ball to secure the win.Throughout both matches, Smriti Mandhana has been a standout performer, scoring consecutive centuries (117 and 136). She has become the first Indian woman batter to achieve this feat in ODIs and has equaled Mithali Raj's record of seven one-day centuries.Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur's timely return to form with an 88-ball 103 in the second match has also boosted India's confidence. However, the team will be eager to see a substantial contribution from opener Shafali Verma, who has endured a run of low scores.With the series already in hand, India may consider giving opportunities to fringe players such as bowlers Shreyanka Patil, Saika Ishaque, and top-order batter Priya Punia.South Africa, on the other hand, will be determined to salvage a win and earn valuable ICC Women's ODI Championship points, which are crucial for their qualification for next year's 50-over World Cup. A victory would also provide a much-needed confidence boost ahead of the Test and T20I series.The visitors will need a collective effort from their batters and bowlers to challenge India's dominance.

India's women's cricket team survived a thrilling encounter against South Africa in the second ODI at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday. After posting a mammoth 326-run target, India held on to a four-run victory, taking a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur were the stars of the Indian batting innings. Mandhana smashed a career-best 136 off 120 deliveries, while Kaur remained unbeaten on 103 from 88 balls. The duo shared a 184-run partnership for the third wicket, laying the foundation for India's imposing total.South Africa's chase got off to a shaky start as they lost three wickets for 67 runs. However, a brilliant 184-run partnership between Laura Wolvaardt (135 not out) and Marizanne Kapp (114) brought the visitors back into contention.With just 11 runs needed off the final over, South Africa seemed poised for victory. But Pooja Vastrakar, who was entrusted with the responsibility of bowling the last over, held her nerve. She dismissed Nadine de Klerk and Nondumiso Shangase off consecutive deliveries, leaving Wolvaardt stranded at the other end.Debutant Arundhati Reddy, who replaced Renuka Singh in the Indian lineup, played a crucial role with the ball. She bowled a tight first spell and picked up the key wicket of Wolvaardt in the 15th over.India's victory was marred by some sloppy fielding, as they dropped three catches and missed two run-outs. However, their bowlers managed to restrict South Africa to 322 runs, securing a hard-fought win.

India's women's cricket team captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, has expressed her support for the implementation of a points-based system in multi-format cricket series. She believes that such a system would enhance motivation and add significance to each match.In recent times, India has played multi-format home series against England and Australia without a points system. This will continue in the upcoming series against South Africa, which begins with ODIs on Sunday. However, Australia and England employ a points system in their women's multi-format Ashes series, ensuring that every match carries weight.Kaur emphasized the importance of a points system, particularly for Test matches. Unlike other formats, Tests lack a marquee championship like the World Cup to provide context. As a result, Tests often suffer from a lack of significance.India has recently achieved impressive victories in Tests against both England and Australia. However, the absence of a points system meant that India could not capitalize on these wins to secure an overall series victory.Kaur believes that a points-based system would address this issue. "I think it's totally a BCCI or ICC thing," she said. "But as players, if points are there, I think we are more pumped up. I think it will be more challenging and we will love to have them."The implementation of a points system in multi-format cricket series would not only enhance motivation but also provide a clearer indication of the overall winner. It would add context to each match and make the series more competitive and engaging for both players and fans.

Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain of the Indian women's cricket team, has expressed her desire to maintain the composure displayed by her team during their recent 5-0 series sweep against Bangladesh in Sylhet when they return for the T20 World Cup in October.Unlike their previous encounter in Bangladesh in July 2023, which was marred by controversy, India's recent performance was marked by several positives. "The calmness all the players showed in the series is something I would like to take to the World Cup," Harmanpreet said after their 21-run victory in the fifth T20I.Harmanpreet's return to form was a significant highlight of the series. After struggling with low scores in the white-ball series against Australia, she scored 30 or more in three out of four innings against Bangladesh. Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana also contributed with multiple 30-plus scores.D Hemalatha, who returned to the team after 15 months, showcased her power-hitting abilities at No. 3, a position previously occupied by Jemimah Rodrigues. With the ball, Radha Yadav emerged as a standout performer, claiming ten wickets in five matches and earning the Player of the Series award.Deepti Sharma's experience proved valuable in containing the opposition, while Shreyanka Patil and Asha Sobhana also made significant contributions. Harmanpreet attributed their success to the confidence and momentum gained during the Women's Premier League (WPL)."The WPL gave our players a lot of confidence," she said. "We improved our game during that time, and those results are showing here."India's next assignment will be a multi-format series against South Africa at home in June-July, followed by the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka and the T20 World Cup in October. Harmanpreet expressed her hope that India will be able to play their best cricket when they return to Sylhet for the World Cup opener against New Zealand."This tournament will give us a lot of confidence," she said. "Whatever we learnt here, we can take that to the World Cup. We are really working hard on that. Hopefully, in the World Cup, we will be able to do whatever we can do. I know our team has that much potential and hopefully, we play our best cricket."

India's Harmanpreet Kaur opted to bat first in the fifth and final T20I against Bangladesh in Sylhet, aiming to complete a clean sweep of the series. India currently holds a 4-0 lead.Bangladesh made three changes to their lineup, bringing in Sobhana Mostary, Sultana Khatun, and Fariha Trisna. India, on the other hand, retained the same XI from their previous match.The match marks the 100th international appearance for 20-year-old Shafali Verma.Bangladesh:1. Dilara Akter2. Sobhana Mostary3. Rubya Haider4. Nigar Sultana (c & wk)5. Ritu Moni6. Sultana Khatun7. Rabeya Khan8. Nahida Akter9. Shorifa Khatun10. Fariha Trisna11. Shorna AkterIndia:1. Shafali Verma2. Smriti Mandhana3. D Hemalatha4. Harmanpreet Kaur (c)5. Richa Ghosh (wk)6. Deepti Sharma7. S Sajana8. Pooja Vastrakar9. Titas Sadhu10. S Asha11. Radha YadavAfter a rain-affected fourth match, a full game is anticipated today. India will be eager to test their batting skills after chasing in two of the previous three games.

India vs Bangladesh: Toss Bangladesh Chose to Bowl vs IndiaIn the fourth T20I match between India and Bangladesh, Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana won the toss and elected to bowl first on a cloudy day in Sylhet. India had already secured the five-match series 3-0.Both teams made debuts in this match. Bangladesh introduced 14-year-old medium pacer Habiba Islam, left-hand batter Rubya Haider, and legspinner Shorna Akter. India, on the other hand, handed a debut to 33-year-old legspinner S Asha and rested offspinner Shreyanka Patil. Seamer Titas Sadhu also made her first appearance in the series, replacing Renuka Singh.Asha, who became the first Indian to claim a five-wicket haul in the Women's Premier League for Royal Challengers Bangalore, is now the second-highest wicket-taker in the competition with 12 scalps. This match also marked Harmanpreet Kaur's 300th international appearance.Bangladesh Playing XI:1. Dilara Akter2. Murshida Khatun3. Rubya Haider4. Nigar Sultana (capt & wk)5. Ritu Moni6. Habiba Islam7. Rabeya Khan8. Nahida Akter9. Shorifa Khatun10. Marufa Akter11. Shorna AkterIndia Playing XI:1. Shafali Verma2. Smriti Mandhana3. D Hemalatha4. Harmanpreet Kaur (capt)5. Richa Ghosh (wk)6. Deepti Sharma7. S Sajana8. Pooja Vastrakar9. Titas Sadhu10. S Asha11. Radha Yadav

In the third T20I encounter against Bangladesh, India's captain Harmanpreet Kaur opted to field first after winning the toss in Sylhet on an overcast day. India holds a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match series and aims to secure the victory.India fielded an unchanged lineup from the rain-affected second game, with Yastika Bhatia, who missed the previous match due to a niggle, remaining out of the XI. Bangladesh made a single alteration, introducing Shorifa Khatun in place of Sultana Khatun.In the second game, Bangladesh displayed improved batting intent, with Murshida Khatun scoring 46. However, she lacked support from her teammates, resulting in Bangladesh being dismissed for 117.The possibility of a thunderstorm looms late in the evening.India:1. Shafali Verma2. Smriti Mandhana3. D Hemalatha4. Harmanpreet Kaur (capt)5. Richa Ghosh (wk)6. Deepti Sharma7. S Sajana8. Pooja Vastrakar9. Renuka Singh10. Shreyanka Patil11. Radha YadavBangladesh:1. Dilara Akter2. Murshida Khatun3. Sobhana Mostary4. Nigar Sultana (capt, wk)5. Ritu Moni6. Fahima Khatun7. Rabeya Khan8. Nahida Akter9. Shorifa Khatun10. Marufa Akter11. Fariha Trishna

Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians Clash in Crucial Women's T20 Challenge MatchIn a highly anticipated match, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Mumbai Indians (MI) faced off in their final league match of the Women's T20 Challenge at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The stakes were high, with MI aiming for the top spot and a direct place in the final, while RCB sought a top-three finish.RCB captain Smriti Mandhana won the toss and elected to bowl first. The pitch was hard and well-prepared, offering a favorable surface for batters. However, fast bowlers were advised to bowl a straighter line to maximize their chances of success.RCB's bowling attack, led by Renuka Singh, proved effective in restricting MI's scoring. Hayley Matthews and Natalie Sciver-Brunt provided a solid start for MI, but wickets fell at regular intervals. Harmanpreet Kaur, the MI captain, played a crucial knock of 37 runs, but it wasn't enough to propel her team to a substantial total.In response, RCB's batting lineup struggled to gain momentum. Sophie Molineux and Ellyse Perry got off to a decent start, but the MI bowlers, particularly Shabnim Ismail and Saika Ishaque, kept them in check. Richa Ghosh, the RCB wicketkeeper, provided some resistance with a quickfire 29, but it was too little too late.MI ultimately emerged victorious by 15 runs, securing their place at the top of the points table. RCB, despite the loss, finished third and qualified for the playoffs.After the match, Mandhana expressed her disappointment but acknowledged the importance of finishing in the top three. Kaur, on the other hand, praised her team's performance and expressed confidence in their chances in the final.